Most of the construction will be completed under traffic. Short-term bypasses will be required as the new and existing roadways are connected.

What public involvement has been done on this project?

Several public meetings/hearings have been held in the past on various sections of the project. MoDOT has already received location and design approval from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for Route 54 from Route 42 to west of Route KK. MoDOT has received location approval for the section of highway from Business Route 54 to Route 42, but must still obtain design approval. Significant changes have been made to earlier plans and MODOT held public hearings in November 2005 to seek additional public input on the entire project.

What happens if the new Route 54 Expressway is not constructed?

By 2028 traffic levels are projected to increase to 65,000 per day. If nothing is done to improve existing conditions, gridlock will result on Route 54.

What traffic volume is the new Route 54 being designed to handle?

The existing peak traffic volumes on existing Route 54 during the summer months is 43,000 vehicles per day. In 20 years, the new Route 54 expressway and existing Route 54 are projected to attract 72,000 vehicles per day.

Will Motorists be able to continuously travel existing Route 54 after crossing over the Grand Glaize Bridge?

Yes. The two Grand Glaize Bridges will be striped to accommodate three lanes for motorists wishing to continue on existing Route 54. The additional lane on each bridge will provide continuous connection between the Passover Road and Jefferies Road interchanges. The Grand Glaize Bridge traffic model shows how traffic moves through this area.

What part of Route 54 will MoDOT own and maintain after construction of the new Route 54 Expressway is completed?

MoDOT will own and maintain the new Route 54 Expressway, associated interchange areas and the Grand Glaize Bridge. The City of Osage Beach has agreed to take over ownership and maintenance of existing Route 54 and newly constructed outer roadways.